Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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144 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Simon Tomlinson

Reviewed February 2017

Cycling Cuba

Having wanted to visit Cuba for many years I’m convinced this was a great way to do it. It is a fascinating country with a turbulent history. The people and their ability to ‘make do’ when they have so little is inspirational.
Never having been on a guided, group cycling tour before I was unsure what to expect and it took a few days to settle into the format. Apart from the opportunity to see and learn about the country the other great aspect of the trip was the other people on it. They were a lovely group of people each with an interesting life story to tell and cycling presents a great way to chat to people during those hours in the saddle.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people. Cuba is a country with many problems including a broken economy and yet its people manage somehow to get by no doubt helped by the music, the dancing and the rum (one of the few "foods" that's neither rationed nor expensive)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lismar was great. Very knowledgeable about Cuba and its history, careful in the management of expectations (some of its Russian built hotels are not in great shape), and all presented with good humour. I always felt he tried to go the extra mile, arranging extra tours and visits in addition to what was described and finding interesting Restaurants where possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

They say you shouldn't go to Cuba for the food and its true. Its bland, overcooked and with very limited choice - fried chicken, fried pork, fried fish with rice and beans just about sums it up. More to the point though most of our group had stomach upsets, some more than once. Its hard to know what the cause was but hygiene in the government run hotels and restaurants (which is most of them) is probably not great. The privately run restaurants and Casas are probably safer and definitely better quality. Be prepared to spend a long time in the coach. Cuba is a surprisingly large country with generally poor roads so getting about takes time. If you plan to take up the Cayo Levisa extension be aware that its quite a long way from Havana and none of the activities (the main reason we went) run on a Sunday (the only full day we had there). It is a beautiful island though and the food quality is an improvement on any of the other state run places we stayed.

Karen Wallace

Reviewed February 2017

Exhilarating and fun

This was my first every cycling holiday. I was never a cyclist and although fit cycled moe in this cortnight than i have in my life comvined….but i did it…never once riding in the bus…although there qas no ahame in that! Although one of the weaker cylists i was encouraged by the others and felt a treme dous sense of accomplishment to have completed it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually not riding the bus.....altnough i had to walk short stretches on the mountainous day...i did it. The other cyclists were wondèful and our vuide, Lee superb. He woas encouraging, funny and so knowledgeable about the history and the places we visited. We all swear he has a photographic memory.! The sight seeing was perfect and the rides interesting especially when we went tbrough small towns and villages where even the school childen chered us on like celebrities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

FANTASTIC! Incredily knowledgeable and always there to help. On the tough cycling day he stayed behind with me encouraging me all the way. Our drivers too were excellent and always there with help and a joke. They made the whole experience wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring pens and makers and sweets to give to the kids along the way. They flock round you, not begging but a oen or marker is a prize to them. The people are delightfyl and friendly and it is a pleasure to be able to give them something little that they really appreciate. At the end of tbe trip we asked our gyide if we could leave clothes or toiletries behind and he happily took them to give to needy people...so pack some old clothes.

William Dalzell

Reviewed February 2017

Cycling Cuba

Overall good experience with some interesting cycling towards the end of the tour . Cuba is a big island and a lot is crammed in resulting in the tour having an attritional feel with some tedious transfers and insufficient time to explore places such as Camaguey, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba and for those not staying extra days, particularly Havana.

Most Inspirational Moment

Time spent in Havana but I thought the most typically West Indian place was El Salton, which was gorgeous.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lismar is excellent, his English impressive and he is a font of information and a strong cyclist, too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful of your food and drink - not only what you eat and drink (tummy bugs galore with our group) but what could have become mixed with it _ Rosie found a large piece of broken glass in her glass at the first lunch stop by the wharf in Old Havana( which Lismar took up with management) and more broken glass in her ice cream at the lunch stop at Santa Clara.

Sally Hall

Reviewed February 2017

Cycling Cuba

I would definitely recommend this fabulous trip! Cycling through Cuba is one of the best ways to see the country and its people along the way. The trip ambitiously covers large distances over a sizeable island but the mixture of cycling and bus transfers just about works. There is a good mixture of accommodation-types from larger, swankier hotels (either modernist government hotels or beautiful colonial-style buildings) to staying in a local’s home (Casas particulares).

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday starting off from our accommodation on our bikes, as a team, in unison and then finishing the day together. I loved cycling in the mountains near Santiago, the countryside was more interesting and the cycling more challenging. Attending a local dance evening in a 'village hall' and dancing salsa as a group with the locals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lismar was a very good guide - well organised, engaging, very informative. We learnt lots about the complex history and culture of Cuba.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take medicines such as Immodium and be cautious - the level of hygiene is not always what we're used to and many of us succumbed to the inevitable!

Karen Wallace

Reviewed January 2017

The best holiday ever.

You exceeded my expectations for this trip. Everything was handled smoothly and well. We had a variety of accommodations, some Obviously better than others, the the owners of the casas we stayed in were very accommodating and made up for in kindness what they may have lacked in amenities. We had a variety of tours and th MOST DELIGHTFUL tour leader whose memory for dates and details was beyond compare. He was also encouraging and supportive for those including myself who struggled on a couple of rides. (Due to my lack of cycling ability). I believe the rides were exactly what I expected…challenging for me but not beyond my capabilities…..although there were a few times I questioned that!!!! The drivers were kind and funny. When I mentioned we really liked pineapple…Alexis went and got more! The rooms varied a lot in each hotel and I noted that everyone had “the best room” at least once….I have to think that was intentional….it was the extra little touch that made this trip so truly memorable and special. I am already looking at my next Exodus cycling trip! I would highly recommend it!

Most Inspirational Moment

My personal a I.ity to do this...alone. I had worried that going by myself may be challenging but a group comraderie developed fast...I am sure this was encouraged by your staff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

FANTASTIC! Personal le smart funny and professional. His handling of the medical condition of one of the group was excellent. It was a terrible unavailable situation...but I do no think he could have done more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to cycle....I knew I could do 60km.....if I tried....but I did not expect to do it so fast...but I did do it..and I felt that I had achieved something. Bring pens and sweets to give to the kids you see along the way. Bring older clothes you. Could donate at the end of the trip if you want to...so many in Cuba would love to have what you don't want!

Alexander Wilson

Reviewed January 2017

The turning wheels on a Cuban odyessy

Now………….. the first thing to say is that I am NO cyclist…..well that’s not totally true of course as of course I CAN ride a bike and myself and my wife have a reasonable level of fitness, however its not my recreational pastime as was some on our trip…….BUT…..What a holiday.

If you are any doubt about your ability to do this, then so long as you have that reasonable level of fitness you should be just fine….and if you feel like riding on the support bus one day or more, then you can do that as well. No problem or aspersion cast from your fellow travellers.

The perfect thing is that you get to see the country side as it SHOULD be seen……Up close. Cuba is very beautiful and majestic in places with areas untouched and great vistas. Lovely to see from a bike.

The tour starts and ends in Havana and you go East going through some of the most important places such as the historic Bay of Pigs area, World Heritage site of Trinidad, the National park, and the Bustling City’s of Santiago and Havana….I’m not going to say all the secrets….I want you to go and find them yourself, but I promise you will NOT be disappointed. The history and beauty of the island is a great mix. You really learn a lot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well I really loved the off road cycling sections as we went through some of the areas away from the City's, beaches and tourist places and you see exactly how the "ordinary" people live. Its a real eye opener. That said.......... learning Salsa dancing on a roof top in Trinidad will live long in my mind as well!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Angel Lopes was a local man who had been to Europe so had travelling experience himself. He also had a great balance of local knowledge, humour, and leadership when needed. He looked after us well and I thought actually handled a couple of difficult situations with good customer face. Our group was a real mix of young and old from all over the world, and I think he sized up our personal characters fairly quickly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind. Things don't always go to plan so be prepared to think on your feet and go with the flow. The Casa Particulares, (the "bed and breakfast" home lodgings) are variable standard but apart form one slight issue, all of ours were totally acceptable. The ones at the Bay of Pigs and Trinidad were especially good. But they are people homes so have that in mind. Take hand gel and Toilet paper!!...sounds odd but gives you a bit of personal protection especially when you are totally away from the city's.

Karen Seager

Reviewed December 2016

Cycling Cuba

15 day bike and bus tour of Cuba. We had a group of 18 mostly English but also a Scot, 4 Australians and a lovely lady from Belgium. We were fortunate to be in Cuba during (and after) the mourning period for Fidel Castro. This gave a different perspective on the quiet side of Cuba with no music, few people in the streets of Havana, not to mention most places not serving alcohol. The trip showed us round Cuba from shore to shore and West to East, urban and country towns, mountains and sea all against the backdrop of Cuban struggles for independence and revolution. We followed a couple of days behind the Castro cavalcade to Santiago de Cuba and included a visit to his grave site (next to that of the National Hero Jose Marti).

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many highlights of this trip but one that stands out was the bush walk in the Sierra Madres and a visit to Maria and her farm. The guide was knowledgeable about the flora and was generous with his descriptions of mountain people and the life they lead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was fantastic. He was informative, flexible, professional and fun. There were a couple of 'dramas' - lost baggage, forgotten handbag, passports gone astray and Carlos dealt with all of them calmly and professionally assisting those affected in any way he could. I'd also like to mention the bus drivers Alexis and Eduardo who supported all of us with patience and humour keeping us fed (fruits and a range of sweet peanut products - yum) and watered at each rest stop. And Sylvester the bike mechanic who was only with us for a couple of days but who cheerfully tweeked each bike to suit the rider.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are, like me, a vegetarian, be prepared for a very limited menu - mainly omelets and cheese coupled with tomato, cucumber and shredded cabbage supplemented with rice and beans on occasion (watch out for the bacon in the beans!). If you are vegan I would suggest you at least bring some 'protein foods' as you will be sorely tested otherwise. Being gluten free is only an issue on days where a packed lunch (read sandwiches) is provided, but again out comes the omelet and cheese! Be flexible and accept that your diet will be different in Cuba mainly because a wide range of foods is simply not available. There is the occasional yogurt and depending on the season a varying range of fruit is available (for us that was banana, papaya and pineapple, oranges and grapefruit and guava). The only nuts available are peanuts. You won't go hungry but variety will challenge!

Susan Tokley

Reviewed December 2016

Cycling Cuba

Great overview of Cuba although would have liked more time on own to explore places

Most Inspirational Moment

Being there during Castros mourning period - historic event

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train before you go to get your fitness up

Gene Melone

Reviewed November 2016

Absolutely fabulous way to visit Cuba

The 15 day cycle trip through Cuba was simply wonderful!
It was exhilarating to 1-cycle through small towns and villages and see things and people that other types of tours do not offer. Pressure about cycling was relaxed, so if you were having a bad day or were daunted by the hills, then you could take time off and ride in the bus.

The team on our ride were spectacular! They were efficient, attentive, kind, cheerful and interesting. Our guide Alex, was funny, intelligent, on the ball, accomodating….and informative about many aspects of Cuba and with a good knowledge of Cuban history and society. He made our trip an absolute delight.

On the whole hotels and Casas were good, food was way better than I was led to believe, and the cities and towns chosen for the itinerary were varied and interesting. Well worth the money!

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the history of Cuba from discovery...by non Indigenous peoples to present day. Very moving and inspiring. For me just being able to ride long distances was pretty amazing...and the encouragement I had from the tour leader to get up a difficult hills was inspiring too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What more can I say? Alex was amazing and so accomplished on every level...and so full of passion for Cuba...it was catching. The whole team...Drivers, Alexi and Chacon and the cyclists were uplifted from his leadership.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Practice cycling long distances before you go! Keep an open mind and relax if you aren't experiencing things as they are at home! Cuba is on the brink of change, and a very complicated place....enjoy NOT being online every day. It's refreshing!

Melanie Edwards

Reviewed October 2016

Cuba magic

I had a very delayed start to my trip thanks to airline issues, all was forgotten on getting out of the airport and an arranged taxi driving me through Havana to my first destination. 1am and I was wide awake and glowing. All thanks to Exodus service (for the tour and for sorting my unexpected transport with no hassle), Cuba, the tour guide and drivers, the tour group, Cuba, Cuban people, Cuban architecture, the Cuban landscape, Cuba and Cuba. Oh, and the Atlantic and the Caribbean. And Cuba.

Most Inspirational Moment

The colours and the architecture all across Cuba. The people saying Hola as we passed. My tour group (including guides) spending every evening together because we liked each other. All the photos I took. My first site of crystal blue ocean. And then my first time snorkelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz was brilliant. It was as if he was sharing his own special parts of Cuba with us. Endlessly patient with questions he must have had hundreds of times before and knowledgeable and proud of his country. He translated more than language for us, he translated culture, and experience and he was part of our team as we were his, Geraldo's and Ariel's (our drivers)

Advice for Potential Travellers

September is HOT! But totally doable to ride - it just adds to the challenges. Make sure your tyres are pumped because it's hard going if they aren't. Don't expect service and toilet facilities like you're used to. They're perfectly fine and complaining about slow service or having to pay 10c to use a toilet gets pretty tiresome when your visiting someone's country and that's how they live. The pace is exactly what helps you feel like it's a holiday experience. Be generous with your CUC if you can, it's so cheap there.

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